No Rain, No Flowers - The Black Keys are Back Updated
A testament to the power of raw, unadulterated blues-rock
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney
For over two decades, The Black Keys—the Ohio-born rock duo of guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney—have been a testament to the power of raw, unadulterated blues-rock.1 Emerging from the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, they built a career on a foundation of fuzzy guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and an undeniable knack for crafting soulful, gritty anthems.2 Their journey, which began in Carney's basement with lo-fi recordings, has seen them evolve from an underground indie sensation to Grammy-winning arena-fillers.3
While their earlier albums like Brothers (2010) and El Camino (2011) cemented their commercial breakthrough and defined their signature sound, the band has consistently pushed their boundaries, culminating in their latest work.4 After a tumultuous period in 2024 that saw the cancellation of a major tour and a split with their management, The Black Keys turned adversity into art with their thirteenth studio album, No Rain, No Flowers.5 Released on August 8, 2025, the album is a direct, emotional response to the challenges they faced, with the title itself serving as a metaphor for growth and resilience through hardship.6
No Rain, No Flowers, when they turned adversity into art
The album marks a significant shift in their creative process.7 While the duo has long been known for their self-produced, DIY approach, No Rain, No Flowers is a collaborative effort.8 They brought in a roster of acclaimed songwriters, including Daniel Tashian (known for his work with Kacey Musgraves), Rick Nowels (a frequent collaborator with Lana Del Rey), and keyboardist/producer Scott Storch (The Roots, Dr. Dre).9 This new approach injected fresh perspectives and sounds into their music, leading to more polished, and in some cases, pop-influenced arrangements, while still retaining the core elements of their blues-rock identity.
The Black Keys is just a band that wants to get on stage and rock it.
– Dan Auerbach
The result is a mixed bag of critical reception, reflecting the band's willingness to experiment. While some critics found the album to be a "muted effort" and "devoid of inspiration," arguing that the band played it too safe with "serviceable songs," others praised their ambition and the honed quality of the new material.10 Tracks like "The Night Before" and the title track, "No Rain, No Flowers," are noted for their instrumental rises, though some reviews find the lyrics to be generic.11 The album's second half, however, seems to win over more listeners. Songs such as the thrilling "Man on a Mission," which features dirty riffs and swaggering choruses, and the funky "All My Life," which is a shimmering piece of "summery, funk-rock escapism," have been singled out as highlights.12 The track "Down to Nothing" showcases a smoother, soulful vibe, while the album closer, "Neon Moon," is a mellow, infectious campfire-style singalong.13
Despite the varying opinions, a recurring theme in the reviews is the band's continued musical evolution. The collaborations brought an increased use of piano and a brighter, more Nashville-inspired sound, especially on "Neon Moon."14 While the album may not have the raw, unadulterated energy of their early work, it is a testament to the duo's ability to adapt and find new creative outlets. In the wake of professional turmoil, No Rain, No Flowers is a statement of resilience, a project born out of a desire to make the "best out of it." It is a record that may not recapture the "grit and raucous charm" of their imperial phase, but it certainly offers a new, polished chapter in the ongoing story of The Black Keys.15